On Wednesdays Morning Focus; John spoke to Clare local Oireacthas members following on from concerns raised on yesterdays show in relation to trolley figures at Limericks A&E department. Timmy Dooley, Clare Fianna Fail TD and Martin Conway, Clare Fine Gael Senator spoke to John about the figures and what can be done to improve things going forward. Nursing staff at University Hospital Limerick say the opening of a new unit there has failed to address issues with overcrowding.
On a visit to Ennis last April, Health Minister James Reilly insisted the special delivery unit would address capacity issues at Dooradoyle. However, INMO figures show an 18% increase in the number of patients on trolleys in the first three months of this year.
On yesterday's programme we heard about a situation in Sixmilebridge where two traveller families camped outside Ballysheen Graveyard moved on after up to 100 local people assembled with a view to asking them to leave. In the end there was no confrontation after the intervention of local Gardai and Councillors – and members of the O'Donoghue family moved on with their caravans out of the village. Anthony O'Donoghue got in touch to explain why he, his wife and children and his brother's family had moved on. John and Anthony spoke about the situation and how Anthony and his family have since moved on.
Sixmilebridge Councillor P.J Ryan spoke to John about the feeling in the town following the move of Anthony and his family.
Drivers caught texting and using mobiles or smartphones, even if they are on a hands-free kit, will be given a mandatory court summons and a fine instead of just penalty points under new road safety regulations. The new rules, which come into effect from May 1st, mean anyone caught texting or "accessing information" on their phones will face a mandatory court appearance and a fine of up to €1,000 for a first offence.
This will rise to a maximum of €2,000 for a second offence, and a possible three-month jail sentence, along with a €2,000 fine, for three offences or more within a 12-month period. Road Safety Officer with Clare County Council, Barry Keating spoke to John about the rules and how they will affect Clare residents.
The Government plan to introduce free GP care for children under six will see three-quarters of a million extra GP visits a year. That is the finding of a study in the Irish Medical Journal, which says that, if children who do not currently avail of a medical or GP visit card were to attend GPs in the same numbers as those who do, the system should be ready for 750,000 extra visits a year. The research examined GP visiting patterns involving children under six in different payment categories. It found that average consultation rates for children with free GP visit cards was over five a year, while the comparable rate for children for which fees would be paid was just two a year. The Irish Medical Organisation, which represents GPs, says that the health system will not be able to cope. Dr Michael Kelleher Lahinch GP and IMO GP Committee member spoke to John about doctors concerns.
The Children's Minister has published landmark legislation making the reporting of child abuse mandatory for named professions. Under Frances Fitzgerald's Children First Bill, clergy members, teachers, gardaí and medical practitioners will be legally obliged to report any suspicions of abuse or neglect they may have. She also says the Government will look at funding cuts to organisations who fail to fully implement the measures. John spoke to Mary Nicholson Advocacy Manager for the ISPCC about how this legislation will help the most vulnerable children in Ireland.
Two of Kilkishen's sporting heroes have been honoured by Clare County Council with a Civic Reception. Louise McCaugh is the first woman to win the taekwondo world championships in her weight category. While Sean Hehir became the first Irish man in 20 years to win the Dublin City Marathon in 2013. They spoke with Clare FM's Aisling O' Rourke about their achievements.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
